Tom Palmer

A piece by regular Cycling Central contributor Anthony Tan about the women's road race in Ponferrada, yesterday, touched a nerve. While we defend its publication, and believe it to be a valid personal opinion, we also understand how it could be seen as divisive. In that spirit we welcome this response by Tom Palmer.

Spicing it up.. A ragged Alison Powers follows an attack from Carlee Taylor on the Ponferrada course.

After literally crashing across the finish line in the final sprint finish of the Tour of Hainan yesterday, Tom Palmer felt like answering a question that he is often asked. What is bunch sprinting like?

But it was all going so well.. Tom Palmer (centre, red) caught behind a crash at the Tour of Hainan. (Supplied)

Do Peter Sagan’s podium antics at the Ronde van Vlaanderen highlight a
problem with professional cycling's role models? Tom Palmer reflects on
the race and whether we should expect more from our cycling
stars and their attitude to women.

After an unforgettable day on the bike in Taiwan, Tom Palmer waxes lyrical on how sweet the feeling of victory is within a well-oiled team, even if it's not your own personal success that you're celebrating.

Even the best riders don't make it to the finish without a lot of help. The difference between winning and being at the back of the grupetto might be one team-mate's effort in bringing forward bidons that you don't have to do, or another bridging a critical gap, or someone else prepping you for a sprint. You can't understate the role of your team-mates in your own success. (Tour de Taiwan)

Does the Subaru National Road Series, and the domestic calendar represent an enticing alternative to slugging away in the amateur ranks in Europe? Tom Palmer thinks so, and hopes for a day when it won't even be something aspiring professionals think of in their pursuit of making a career out of the sport.

Cycling's spiritual home remains in Europe, but for more and more riders there are viable alternatives outside of the continent. Australia's own domestic series could in the future be where the best locals choose to race, rather than simply a development platform for the grassroots. (Getty Images)